Ulmus minor European field elm, Smooth-leaved elm

Ulmaceae

Ulmus minor European field elm, Smooth-leaved elm

Fast-growing tall tree with a dense crown and a variable manner of growth, from broad fan-shaped to broad oval. Occasionally a cork layer occurs on the bare twigs. The leaves are oval-elongated to obovate, widest in or above the centre. On the upper side they are smooth and glossy green, on the underside practically bare. The foot of the leaf covers one side of the short stalk, a characteristic of elm leaves. The leaf edge is double-serrated. The flowers grow in very dense bundles of 15 to 30 together. They appear before the leaves emerge and are purplish-red. The winged fruits are also often present before the emergence of the leaves: the fruits are then still green but later turn brown. It is fairly badly sensitive to Dutch elm disease. Ulmus minor used to be planted a great deal but is very little cultivated at present.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
20 - 30 m, fast growing
Width
12-15m
Crown
broad fan-shaped to broad oval, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
has brownish-grey grooves, flakes off in platelets, twigs brown
Leaf
oval-elongated to obovate, glossy green, 5 - 10 cm
Flowers
in ver♂ dense bundles, purplish-red, March, before the leaves emerge
Fruits
winged nutlet, 1.5 - 2 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
moist and light, favours calcareous soils
Soil moisture
suitable for wet soil, withstand short flood, withstand long flood
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5 (-28,8 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
very good, also tolerates sea wind
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
avenues and broad streets, coastal areas, industrial areas
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
western Europe, north Africa, south-west Asia
Synonyms
Ulmus carpinifolia, Ulmus campestris
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for wet soil withstand long flood withstand short flood can withstand wind broad vase-shaped 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green orange/red fast growing valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing playground tree
Frequently asked questions
Ulmus minor

Ulmus minor can eventually reach a height of 20 - 30 m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Ulmus minor is fast growing and can eventually reach a height of 20 - 30 m, fast growing, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Ulmus minor is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Ulmus minor with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Ulmus minor blooms in march.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.